METHADONE

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Methadone is not an innocent substance; 'one's methadone maintenance dose is another's poison'

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Methadone is relatively available on the illicit market as there are large numbers of tolerant individuals whose daily dose is well over the lethal dose for non-tolerant individuals. This may explain why, of the fatalities , only 25% had been previously notified to the Home Office . Methadone is one of the strongest opiates. It has a slow onset of action and a long half-life and causes severe respiratory depression which is usually the cause of death. Methadone overdose is a serious medical emergency. In the event of suspected overdose call an ambulance. If the person is losing consciousness lie them on their side in the recovery position so that they will not choke if they vomit. Inducing people to vomit is not recommended because of the risk of rapid onset of CNS depression/unconsciousness which could lead to choking.
Symptoms of an Overdose from Methadone include but are not limited to the following:
muscle spasticity difficulty breathing slow, shallow and labored breathing stopped breathing (sometimes fatal within 2-4 hours) pinpoint pupils bluish skin bluish fingernails and lips spasms of the stomach and/or intestinal tract constipation weak pulse low blood pressure drowsiness disorientation coma death
It happens. And it's up to you to think twice about your responsibilities-not only to your friends, but your legal responsibilities.All too often, partying and someone takes a hit of ecstasy, does a line of coke,takes pills or passes out from drinking too much. Or someone slipped something into a friend's drink and he or she's unconscious. Something goes terribly wrong.Chances are your friend has overdosed on drugs and is in trouble. Too many friends shrug it off, thinking or hoping a friend is just sleeping. Or they know something's wrong, but they are afraid of getting into trouble if they try to get help. The harsh truth is this: if your friend is severely injured or dies—and you have provided the drugs, or you choose not to help—your actions or inaction, depending upon the circumstances, can have legal consequences.What should you do? First, get your friend help call 911 and get medical help. Give accurate details about what has happened and make sure you provide first responders with as much information as possible on what drug(s) your friend took, how long ago it was taken, how much was taken (if you know) and which other people (like your friend's family members) should be contacted immediately.
Drug OverdoseA drug overdose occurs when you consume more drugs than your body can tolerate. Overdose is a relative term, with symptoms that range from the uncontrollable nodding of heroin, to the shakes of crack, cocaine powder and meth, to unconsciousness and death. Drug users are constantly flirting with the risk of a drug overdose. There is a fine line between the high they're seeking and serious injury or death.
Mixing drugs such as heroin, pills and alcohol is the most common cause of death by overdose. Drugs taken together can interact in ways that increase their effects. With depressants (drugs that slow you down) the risk of passing out or stopping breathing increases. With stimulants (drugs that speed you up) the risk of seizures or heart attacks increase. Changes in your health or body can put you at risk for an overdose. Getting sick, or losing weight, affects your tolerance and your body's ability to adjust to the drug. Using alone also increases the chance of fatality overdosing, because there is no one there to call for help or take care of you if you pass out.All drugs have the potential to be misused, whether legally prescribed by a doctor, purchased over-the-counter at the local drug store, or bought illegally on the street. Taken in combination with other drugs or with alcohol, even drugs normally considered safe can cause death or serious long term consequences. Accidental drug overdose may be the result of misuse of prescription medicines or commonly used medications like pain relievers and cold remedies. Symptoms differ depending on the drug taken.While many victims of drug overdose recover without long term effects, there can be serious consequences. Some drug overdoses cause the failure of major organs like the kidneys or liver, or failure of whole systems like the respiratory or circulatory systems. Patients who survive drug overdose may need kidney dialysis, kidney or liver transplant, or ongoing care as a result of heart failure, stroke, or coma. Death can occur in almost any drug overdose situation, particularly if treatment is not started immediately.
Drugs are generally classified as either: PRESCRIPTION DRUGS These require a doctor's authority to purchase them. Some common examples are; ..Valium', ..Morphine', and ..Benzodiazepines' (sleeping tablets). NON-PRESCRIPTION DRUGS Are drugs which may be purchased without prescription. They consist of headache compounds, cough elixirs, and similar mild medications, and can be purchased at virtually any chemist or retail outlet. Common examples are; ..Panadol', ..Aspro', ..Vick's Cough Syrup', alcohol, and nicotine (cigarettes). ILLICIT DRUGS Are drugs that are imported, grown or manufactured illegally. All illicit drugs are dangerous and usually imply a degree of dependence, or in some cases, addiction. Examples are; heroin, cocaine, amphetamines, ..ecstasy', marijuana, meth and LSD.
ON THE NODWhen the heroin addict has had a fix, he is said to be "on the nod" and wants to be left alone. It is when the addict needs the next fix (when he begins to have withdrawal symptoms) that his thoughts and actions are directed toward getting money to buy more heroin. This is when he becomes a problem to society.A big habit can cost hundreds of dollars a day to maintain. Men usually turn to robbery or drug dealing. Women turn to prostitution. It is estimated that at least 50% of the crime in the United States is directly or indirectly related to illegal drugs.
When the addict is "on the nod" he is not dangerous, but he is vulnerable. The addict in the upper picture is on the nod and is not a threat to anyone. The addict in the picture at bottom was also on the nod when some prankster shoved a wad of paper into his mouth. He died from suffocation.
Effects of Methadone--------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------Most common side effects drowsiness: lightheadedness; weakness; euphoria; dry mouth; urinary retention; constipation; slow or troubled breathing Occasional side effects allergic reactions: skin rash, hives, itching; headache; dizziness; impaired concentration; sensation of drunkenness; confusion; depression; blurred or double vision; facial flushing; sweating; heart palpitation; nausea and vomiting Least common side effects anaphylactic reactions; hypotension causing weakness and fainting; disorientation; hallucinations; unstable gait; tremor; muscle twitching; myasthenia gravis Risks kidney failure; seizures Symptoms of Overdose marked drowsiness; confusion; tremors; convulsions; stupor leading to coma; cold and clammy skin; hypotension; bradycardia.
This young man was drinking with a friend and they decided they wanted a free high. Pretending to be in withdrawal, they obtained some methadone at the local methadone clinic. The young man was found dead in bed the next morning as a result of the combination of methadone and alcohol.Years ago, it was unusual for the drug abuser to drink alcohol and take drugs. This has changed, and today overdose deaths usually involve alcohol. The drug abuser does not realize that alcohol multiplies the effect of any drug taken. A quote from a medical journal explains the situation with regard to methadone:"The combination of alcohol and methadone may prove to be a serious hazard, as clinical impressions suggest that the margin of safety is not very high in this combination of drugs."

METHADONE - MOTOR VEHICLE FATALITYOne of the major criticisms of the methadone program is that it is a maintenance program more than a treatment program. There is no significant attempt to cure the addict of his heroin addiction. In return, the addict uses the methadone clinic as a source of free drugs and a place to contact other junkies to carry on his drug dealing.This man died when he rolled his car while exiting the freeway. The subject was registered at the local methadone clinic. His blood alcohol was above the legal limit, and he was positive for methadone and morphine. A fresh needle mark was in his arm. In addition, the deceased had purchased that car on the day of his death and still had the receipt in his pocket.

NEGLIGENCE~~~NEGLIGENCE~~~NEGLIGENCEAll Methadone deaths are a form of negligence. Whether it is used for heroin clinics, detoxification from prescribed opiates, assistance and control of chronic pain, or street use. No one should have to die from a medication under such variable situations. These recorded deaths are not from allergic reactions, they are from an individuals inability to act and react to a very unstable drug. Peolpe are not forwarned prior to being given this drug for any of it's purposes on how deadly it can be, this in turn has led to thousands of deaths. Medical professionals truly believe that Methadone is the "New Wonder Drug". When a patient is not informed of potential hazards prior to a treatment "THAT IS NEGLIGENCE'. Since Methadone is widely being used for pain management now more and more patients are being sent home with large anoumts of this drug in pill form. This increases the potential for sharing and street sales and use. Drug dealers love Methadone because the cost is extremely low (180 pills cost approximately $40.00+). In some areas Methadone can go for $20.00 a pill, this has a high potential for an extreme increase in street sales to people that can die from just one pill. There are documented cases of deaths from just one (1) 10 mg pill. Because people are not informed of possible death, careless placement and storage of this drug has led to innocent cases of consumption that led to death.